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Professional Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Test Engineer Lead shall manage and execute test programs, analyze and interpret results ... and professionally * Develop the capability of your team members to take on more complicated ...

Test Engineer Lead shall manage and execute test programs, analyze and interpret results ... and professionally * Develop the capability of your team members to take on more complicated ...

Ability to join a growing company with professional development opportunities. Position Summary The Principal Validation Engineer is responsible for coordinating all validation activities by constant ...

Chief Engineer

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$9.5K - $10K/mo

Chief Engineer Job no: 559605 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Stanislaus - Turlock Categories ... May be required to obtain additional training and/or certification as part of professional ...

Chief Engineer Apply now Job no: 559605 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Stanislaus - Turlock ... May be required to obtain additional training and/or certification as part of professional ...

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Professional Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$49.1K

$102.5K

$144.1K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Merced, CA is $102,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional engineer?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What does a professional engineer do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges professional engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

What can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various engineering disciplines. They apply technical knowledge, use tools like CAD software, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Merced, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Merced, CA?

For Professional Engineer jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,502 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Associate Engineer - Traffic

Chowchilla, CA โ€ข On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Available in Other Offices: Bakersfield or Visalia


Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Traffic Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for traffic engineering, a proven track record in traffic studies, and be licensed to practice engineering in California.


Duties

  • Lead and manage traffic studies, impact analyses, and traffic operations assessments for a variety of projects including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
  • Conduct and oversee data collection, traffic modeling, and analysis using industry-standard software and methodologies.
  • Coordinate with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals.
  • Mentor and train junior staff on traffic engineering principles and practices.
  • Ensure all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and guidelines


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in traffic engineering and traffic studies.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) or Traffic Engineer (TE) license required.
  • Proficiency in traffic analysis software such as Synchro, VISSIM, HCS, or similar tools.
  • Knowledge and experience with travel demand modeling software, such as Cube.
  • Strong understanding of California traffic engineering regulations, standards, and guidelines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to providing exceptional client service and delivering high-quality work.